I apologize if this is a repeat question. I am thinking about buying a cMBP, it looks as if the AC+ does not cover accidental damage, so basically it only covers "failure" to the system? Is it really worth buying? I have only ever owned an iMac and the only issues I had ever had with it happened during the initial year and after the AC+ was expired. What is the general consensus for AC+ on a MBP? Worth it or not?
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Apple care on a MBP
- Thread starter Jkeeley1
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AppleCare
AppleCare Protection Plan for Mac or Apple Display
- You can buy AppleCare any time during the first year warranty period, so you don't have to buy it at time of purchase.
- You can check your remaining warranty and/or AppleCare coverage here
- AppleCare will extend the 1 year warranty for an additional 2 years, for a total of 3 years coverage from the date of your Mac purchase.
It also extends telephone support from 90 days, which is included with your original warranty, to a total of 3 years. - You cannot buy AppleCare again or renew it once it expires.
- Neither the Apple Warranty nor AppleCare will cover damage from accidents, spills, etc. They only cover manufacturing defects.
- AppleCare+ provides some coverage for accidental damage, but is only available for the iPad and iPhone, not for Apple computers.
- Neither the Apple Warranty nor AppleCare will cover batteries that have worn out. They only cover defective batteries.
- For more detailed questions, read the AppleCare Protection Plan (pdf) agreement.
As to whether AppleCare is worth it or not, that's a matter of opinion. You'll find lots of opinions on both sides, with roughly 75% saying it's worth it. You really need to decide if it's worth it to you. If you want more information, you can search the forum, where you'll find dozens, if not hundreds of threads asking "is AppleCare worth it?" The overall consensus seems to be about 75% in favor of it.
It's luck of the draw, I had the 1st unibody MBP and had the screen replaced once, the battery replaced once and the logic board replaced 3 times in three years, all of which happened after the 1st year so if it wasn't for my buying AC I would have been screwed/forced to upgrade much sooner!
Applecare
I own several Apple items (iMac, MBP, 2x ATV 2x Nano's, Touch4 and a iPhone4) and never bought Applecare.
The only issue I have had at all till now was a malfunctioning fan in my early 2011 MBP 13". I have replaced this myself which cost me € 11,=. (6 for the fan and 5 freight).
As with any kind of insurance, it will only help you if you have a strain of bad luck; in general you will always be overpaying, otherwise Apple would not be providing this service.
So ask yourself whether you feel lucky……..
I own several Apple items (iMac, MBP, 2x ATV 2x Nano's, Touch4 and a iPhone4) and never bought Applecare.
The only issue I have had at all till now was a malfunctioning fan in my early 2011 MBP 13". I have replaced this myself which cost me € 11,=. (6 for the fan and 5 freight).
As with any kind of insurance, it will only help you if you have a strain of bad luck; in general you will always be overpaying, otherwise Apple would not be providing this service.
So ask yourself whether you feel lucky……..
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All laptops suffer failure rates higher than desktops. My view is, its not necessary for desktops but it is for laptops. Not that you would expect to use it. Fans and hard drives, fine, but if a screen or logic board goes wonky, its worth it.
You very well might not use it, but I think its worth it, and it will aid in resale if you ever sell to upgrade.
Look at BHPhoto in NY, or LA Computers in LA, for best prices in US, currently about 240 dollars I think.